How to Tune a Cello Using Fine Tuners & Pegs

[@editzcentral466]

I’m just terrified of tuning my cello, cause last time a tuned pegs my string snapped😌💗✨

[@sydneystringcentre]

Don’t be scared! Happens to everyone at least once. Use the fine tuners where possible and if you need to use a peg just take it slow 😎

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@sydneystringcentre Get geared tuners instead

[@jideamobi9555]

Same

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@jideamobi9555 I've put Machine Heads on my Cello:kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHeqaH6eo61oiqs & guess what problem solved. Those Machine Head tuners also allowed me to get rid of the fine tuners from the Tailpiece.

[@berenscott9347]

@@RockStarOscarStern634 But changing the string with mechanical pegs is such a chore!

[@boxofbrandaids]

i love how this guy makes his videos about the topic in question, not about getting in some "look at me" time. he's straight to the point and describes things in a way that takes the intimidation out something that seemed pretty daunting to me

[@imrlaps7097]

It's insane that that's become so rare. People that are about the subject matter and not so much themselves. Insanity is an Epidemic.

[@waynehowells6301]

Thank you, that wasn’t to difficult tuning bringing up a app. I start my first cello lesson next week and my instructor will be happy I tuned my cello already. Thank you again!

[@sydneystringcentre]

So great to hear Wayne! Good luck with your first lesson :-)

[@lydiansgrv7245]

we have the same cello so i knew i could trust you and man i was so right. i’ve been terrified of tuning my cello since i learned how to play about 2 years ago. of course, i youtubed it. you popped up and i decided to give it a try and now i have a fully tuned cello! you’re doing the lords work thank you :)

[@kujessie06]

This just saved my butt. My 6 year old just turned all the pegs despite having just gone to the luthier a week ago :(. Thanks to this video I was able to tune the cello myself saving me some $$.

[@Laubasss]

I am always very stressed if the cello is out of tune and I need to use the pegs. I had a really bad cello before (the violin maker sold me that one....took it back and let me buy a better one with appropriate discount after I pounted out that with this kind of investment I should get a decent instrument 😅. That cello had a bridge that was too thin and about to buckle and at top of neck a sharp bit so the a string kept breaking!! So scary!! So now I have a kind of tuning ptst😬. Keeps me from practising at home. Well....about to start lessons next week, so that will def be a first thing to learn and get over with😊 Cheers, new subscriber from the Netherlands

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hi there, so sorry to hear! If you have your instrument regularly checked, hopefully you'll have fewer issues in the future and can build your confidence back up! Remember, if you break a string it's not the end of the world... happens to the best of us! Always keep a spare 🙂Good luck and keep up the practice!

[@Laubasss]

@@sydneystringcentre Cheers for replying to my rant😊. Appreciate it a lot from rhe other side of the globe (Lol....Just read Sydney 😆)! Well....at 46 and still beginner level (due to personal circumstances I never was able to really pick it up until now) I'm going to join an amateur folk ensemble (where my friend plays alt violin) and restart lessons as well. Dust my Pirates of the Carribean book and continue to tackle Jack Sparrows score lol!😁; argh!!!

[@imafork4526]

Thanks for the help my C string was almost 2 whole octaves out of tune 🙏

[@supechube_k]

How does that happen? Is it just an exaggeration?? Someone explain plz 😭😭

[@peterleslie5615]

Thanks, Doug. I can certainly recommend the electronic tuner that you demonstrate here - I have had one for many years, different brand name (Wisemann) but identical unit. They are spot-on pitch, and small and convenient to use. Cheers!!

[@sydneystringcentre]

Thanks for the comment Peter! Yes we love the Musedo tuners. This one has a nicer metronome tone and good volume compared some other brands as well. :-)

[@grandma2maj]

Is the type of tuner he’s using more expensive, around the $40 mark?

[@peterleslie5615]

@@grandma2maj I'm not sure how much they cost now - I've had mine for years. Give Douglas a ring and check them out, they are not expensive when you think about the ease of tuning and how long they last!! And they have a true A440 pitch.

[@lexismaldonado7246]

"chune the chello with a chuner" im sorry-💀great video tho it really helped

[@Music_Guy_]

OMG TYSM (btw call me eric) tysm I really needed this because last time I tuned on one it snapped the string but with your vid I can finnaly get the confidence to use them when necessary ty

[@sydneystringcentre]

This makes us so happy Eric! Glad you now have the confidence to tune with the pegs. Happy playing!

[@danielpalmersofficial]

Thank you, the cello is my rival and this video has helped me to fight back at it!! ✌️☺️

[@imrlaps7097]

I found this just looking for tuning stringed instruments in general. Thanks for it. : )

[@mismatmom]

Love the pic with the cello.

[@Aejin23]

You video was very helpful! I’ve been playing cello for a few years but never actually learned how to peg tune, but now I can!

[@christalsmith1866]

That was so good thank you! When tuning with the pegs, do I need to release the fine tuners first??

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hi Christal, thanks for the question! If your fine tuners are wound all the way down, then it's best to unwind them fully before using the pegs. That way you'll have more room to tune with the fine tuners once the string has been tuned with the peg. Good luck! :-)

[@ultramanxk7]

These are golden tips, thank you!

[@sydneystringcentre]

Thanks for the comment! So glad it was helpful 🙂

[@ultramanxk7]

@@sydneystringcentre Hi, for some reason my D and A strings on my cello won't tune, do you know why? Sir.

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hi Henry, can you tell us a bit more about what’s happening? Are you using the pegs or the fine tuners? Cheers

[@ultramanxk7]

@@sydneystringcentre Hi, well I'm tunning my cello with the tunner, bit by bit I'm tightening, or releasing, but the strings I'm telling you about are not matching with tunner.

[@ultramanxk7]

I guess I have to do my best and tunne by 👂 ear.

[@beybladebattles5125]

Thanks doug for the awesome video!

[@rizn1]

Thank you so much! This was so helpful!!

[@sydneystringcentre]

Glad it was useful! Happy playing :-D

[@noelsmith3367]

I don't really know what to do, my C string is practically a B, and I am not strong enough to move the tuning peg. I am a self taught cello player, and don't know of anyone who I can take it too. Any advise?

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hey Noel, if your c peg is stuck, I recommend trying to loosen it (turn anti clockwise) first before trying to tighten it again. I’m about 157cm and can’t tune my pegs without standing up to get more leverage. Remember to push in whilst turning and keep the tuner handy so you don’t go too far. If when you’re turning your peg you’re getting a clicky, tacky sort of noise then you’ll need some peg paste to help the peg run smoother and stay in place better. We recommend hills peg paste. Let us know if you’d like a video on this. You might be able to find a few vids already up on KZbin. Good luck and let us know how you go.

[@noelsmith3367]

@@sydneystringcentre Thank you, I am going to try this.

[@hae-meo-sum]

Thanks for guiding.

[@gunaygungor4232]

Cnote is on the lower souding string

[@isaacsingh2007]

Thanks, that was clear enough for me to tune the cello, even though it was the first time. 😂

[@Emily-ro7mv]

I'm scared to try again with the pegs bc I did it before and broke a string, on a school cello, but I rlly miss playing bc I havent played for almost all of quarantine. Should I maybe bring it to a local shop and have them tune it?

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hi Emily, if you miss playing then definitely bring it to a string shop to get checked out :-) Maybe you can ask them for a quick tuning lesson while you’re there so that you can gain some confidence to do it at home yourself? :-) is you’re able to come to our store we’d be happy to help out. Good luck!

[@Emily-ro7mv]

@@sydneystringcentre Ok, thank you for the advice! I would love to visit your store, but I like in the U.S :( I'll talk to my mom about going to get it tuned, though. Thanks again! :)

[@flynnzilla8796]

Very clear and to the point, thankyou!

[@sydneystringcentre]

Thanks for the comment! Glad it was useful!

[@davidinsco461]

Thank you!!

[@richard3831]

I found this helpful as I am not a beginner but I forgot how to use the pegs... :/

[@sydneystringcentre]

Glad you found it helpful Richard!

[@cassieliu7824]

I keep hearing tuna....

[@JanineKredell]

Thank you

[@Froggy_rblx23330]

OMG, I need your help. My string from the bridge fell off and I’m freaking out I was trying to tune it by the pegs I messed up and it fell off, help me

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hi there, thanks for your comment, hopefully, we can help :-) it sounds like when you were tuning either your C or your A string with the peg, that the string slipped off the side of the bridge? If this is the case there could be two causes for this: 1. The string wasn't properly lined up in the groove of the bridge before you started tightening the string. In this case, give it another go and just make sure the string is sitting in the groove before you start tightening the string and continue to check it as you tighten to ensure it is staying in the right spot. We recommend lubricating the groove with a 2B pencil so that the string can glide through the groove as you are tightening and not get caught. 2. The groove in the bridge hasn't been filed down deep enough. If your cello wasn't setup by a trained Luthier the grooves in the bridge may not be sitting in the right spot and my not be deep enough. This can be the cause of strings slipping off the edge. In this case, please take to a string speciality shop for them to take a look at. We hope this info helps! Let us know how you go!

[@Idontknow-em8qr]

My d string is sooooooo lose, i got scared and put it away. mainly because my 6th grade teacher told me that it could make you blind if it breaks

[@sydneystringcentre]

Oh no! We've never heard of a string taking an eye out :-/ but the strings can kick back a bit if they break! We would suggest keeping your face a good distance from the strings when tuning and/or maybe wear some goggles lol. Good luck!

[@atticustay1]

I used two separate apps on my phone and they both tell me it’s in tune but it doesn’t sound quite in tune to me

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hi there! Hmm... this is a tricky one! I would double-check that the HZ setting is definitely set to 440 and that the key is definitely set to C. What are the apps you are using? Are they Chromatic tuners or are they only showing you the notes specifically for cello - A, D, G, C?

[@OrbitalLizardStudios]

All my strings i can tune with the pegs but than when i get to the A string, i cant tune it. It slips so easily and i can never get it to stick no matter how hard i push inwards as i turn it, and it also makes clicking noises as i tighten it

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hi there! Thanks for the comment. It sounds like you need some peg paste on the A peg. We recommend the Hills peg paste. To apply peg paste, unwind the string completely and take it off. Take out the peg and then apply peg paste on the 'Shiny' areas on the peg where the peg touches the peg box. Put the peg back in the hold and twist it around. Then repeat and put the peg back in and the string back on. If your peg is still slipping after this then it may not be fitting correctly in the hole in which case it will need to by adjusted by a Luthier. We do have a video coming on this topic so stay tuned! Good luck!

[@rachelmorton2207]

@@sydneystringcentre Just wondering if you ended up making the video on this topic? It would be really helpful for my students while they are learning online and I can’t help them myself!

[@zigzaglychee7324]

Mine is very out of tune because I haven't played it in years. I'd like to get back into it. I've never broken a string from tuning it, but I'm paranoid now because of all the people saying they've snapped one. And yes, my bridge is moving. I think maybe approaching a shop or a teacher is probably best to fix this

[@annabelle3873]

omg thankyou so much but can you do a tutorial on how to not break your strings while tuning i know how to but if i didn’t i would have appreciate it

[@valentinagarcia1]

how do i tune my g string? i was moving the pegs and it gave me A and before I moved anything it said my g string was flat. I have been playing for 6 years but havent played in a couple of months so i forgot how to tune with the pegs please help

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hi Valentina, sorry to hear you're having trouble with your G peg! Sometimes the peg will start turning backwards if you haven't pushed in hard enough whilst turning. Remember to push the peg in towards the peg box while you turn, otherwise, it will slip and go flat. It does require some force to keep the peg in place. If you are using a lot of force and it is still slipping, you may need to service your peg with some peg paste. If you don't have any peg paste at home, or any experience pasting a peg, then we would recommend going to a specialist string shop so that a luthier can have a look for you. Good luck!

[@miaroberts614]

Hi, I just got a cello and my pegs keep moving out of tune and my A and D are go completely lose. Is this suppost to happen in the beginning or should I get it fixed? I do push them in when tuning but they stil won’t stay

[@SuperMetalLicious]

Thx so much

[@sydneystringcentre]

You're welcome!

[@guyug6940]

Hi! I have a problem and I can't find answers anywhere else on the internet. I think I tuned the fine tuners to tight, I can't turn any of them, even using a grip pad. How can I fix this?

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hi there! This is very common problem because usually when you go to tune an instrument, the strings are flat and so you're mostly going to be winding the fine tuners clockwise to make the note sharper. Eventually they will wind all the way down until they can't wind anymore, just like any other screw. So, what you need to do next involves a slightly higher level of tuning ability and it is something that Luthiers normally do as part of a regular service. Basically you need to unwind all your fine tuners and then use the pegs to tune up to (or close to) the correct pitch, and then use the fine tuners to perfect it. Because there is a lot of movement happening with the pegs pulling on the strings, there is the potential that your bridge will start to lean and eventually fall over. If you aren't comfortable using the pegs and straightening your bridge as you go then we would recommend taking it to a string shop for some assistance. If you do want to give it a go yourself, fantastic! We all have to learn at some stage! Just do one string at a time. Completely unwind the fine tuner on the D string, then use the peg to bring it as close as possible to concert pitch. Go slow and keep checking your tuning with a digital tuner. Also keep an eye on the bridge. If the grooves on the bridge are well lubricated then you may not have any issues at all with your bridge moving :-) If you do see your bridge start to move you need to (with a very firm grip on your bridge) very gently straighten it back up. Once you are close to concert pitch using the pegs, use the fine tuner to make the last adjustments. Good luck my friend! and if you're in Australia, feel free to give us a call if you have anymore questions. Hope this helps! If you or anyone else thinks that we should do a video on this, let us know!

[@xxMpEGxx]

why do they use this antique method of tuning with the pegs? Arent there any modern pegs that work like on guitars?

[@PoppingCake]

Thanks for the help. Now I’m no longer going to cause the a string of my cello to pop😅

[@nienke169]

I’m scared the fine tuners will be turned too much. Because of covid I don’t have my teacher to tune it for me anymore but I find the fine tuner on the D string to be really high so I’m scared to turn it more, because I’m scared it will pop off or something. When do you need to stop?

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hi Nienke, when tuning with the fine tuners or the pegs, it's really important to have a point of reference for what the notes should be. I.e using an electronic tuner. You need to keep checking what the note is while you're tuning so you don't go too far. You can't really do much damage with the fine tuners, because they adjust so incrementally. You can however, very easily overdo it with the pegs. If your fine tuners are completely wound down to the point where you can't turn them clockwise anymore, then you will need to loosen the fine tuner off completely and use the peg to get it up to the note you require. By loosening off the fine tuner and tuning with the pegs, you then have the room to fine tune with the fine tuners again. When tuning with the fine tuners or the pegs, you need to proceed with caution as soon as you reach the note that the string should be. I.e if you're tuning the D, you want the electronic tuner to read a D, and then use the fine tuners to adjust it until it's perfectly in tune. Hope this helps! Good luck!

[@kenpeterson327]

is it just me or is the "C" string hard to get in tune? with the E tuner.

[@bashebaduriez8643]

Hi! I’ve been trying to tune my cello for the longest time but my pegs won’t move, there completely stuck can you please make a video about it !

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hi there! Thanks for the comment. That's no good! Sounds like your pegs are lacking some peg paste. If you can get the peg unwound and out of the peg box you can then apply some peg paste to make it run smoother. If you can't get your peg out we would recommend taking it to a Luthier. They normally have a few tricks on how to remove a stuck peg. We have almost finished a video on how to paste a peg for violin, but I will ask whether we can do one for cello :-) it's pretty similar though. Subscribe to our channel to get a notification when it's released! Cheers

[@Sploinky_doinky]

I’m pushing the peg in as hard as possible but it still keeps coming out of place

[@lauraarias9123]

Hi. I’m having a problem tunning my cello, I tune one string and go to the next and return to the one I have already tune and it is out of tune again !

[@lauraarias9123]

Why could that be? Thank you

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hi Laura, great question! It’s quite common for the pegs to shift after you’ve already tuned it and then tune the other strings. You just have to go back and tune them all again until they are settled. Pegs are only held in place by the pressure that you apply and you have to apply a fair bit of pressure to ensure they stay in place. If your pegs are still slipping after multiple attempts at tuning then I would recommend taking your cello to a luthier to get looked over. If the pegs haven’t been cut properly to begin with then no matter how much pressure you apply they won’t stay in tune very well. On the other hand they may just need some peg paste :-) hope this info helps, good luck!

[@lauraarias9123]

The Sydney String Centre thank you

[@hola-5897]

My g string literally sounds exactly like my c string on the Cello. Can someone help with this?

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hi there! Sounds like you will need to use the g string peg to bring it back up to pitch. If your g string sounds like a C then it is 4 tones too low. Use your tuner to keep checking the pitch as you’re turning the peg to make sure you aren’t going any further than a G. Then once your tuner reads a G, use the fine tuners to tune it more exactly. Good luck!

[@hola-5897]

@@sydneystringcentre Alright I'll try that

[@raynesayler2478]

I have a question what type of app was it that you used it would help a lot

[@sydneystringcentre]

G'day Rayne, the app we used in the video is called 'Simply Tuner'. Thanks for the comment!

[@traceyyazzie3161]

Hello I need help it says that my cello is out of tune but the pegs won’t move and I need help

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hi Tracey, thanks for the question. :-) there are a couple of reasons why your pegs could be stuck. One is that they don't have any / or enough peg paste on them. Peg paste should be applied by the Luthier when they are cutting the pegs to fit the hole in which they are being put. Peg paste helps the pegs turn but also helps them stay in place. The second thing may be that they weren't cut well to begin with. In either case we would recommend taking it to a string shop to have them looked at. You may only need a peg service - i.e peg pastes applied, or you may need them to adjust the shape of the peg. Hope this helps! Good luck!

[@traceyyazzie3161]

I got it and it started to move once I turned on my Ac and people said that it would help and it did

[@sydneystringcentre]

@@traceyyazzie3161 Great to hear! In summer in our store, after we turn the air conditioning off, we often hear pegs popping out as the temperature changes. Temperature and humidity can definitely affect the pegs. Hopefully they are turning smoothly now and staying in place :-)

[@zeqwixedm8123]

Ive already snapped it once but it didn't happen again because I haven't tried yet

[@sydneystringcentre]

You'll get there! We all break strings when learning to tune. How did you go?

[@mymel0dy222]

im so scared to tune my cello im in orchestra and ive already broken 2 strings (a strings both times) on a school cello i dont wanna go back to orchestra i feel like im just a burden 😭😭

[@jakobk1845]

I only played cello for two months but dont know how to tune

[@psychokiller7427]

🖼 Monalisa 🎻 😂

[@sydneystringcentre]

Monacello 😎

[@Himanaru.]

This is so scary😭 I literally broke one of my strings before

[@sydneystringcentre]

Don't worry, we've all been there! Practice makes perfect 🙂

[@irenewan4463]

Really a big challenge for me as a beginner to tune the new cello...wanna cry~

[@sydneystringcentre]

Don't give up Irene! It's difficult at first but definitely gets easier with a bit of practice. If you're hesitant about tuning your cello it's always good to ask your local string shop to give you a lesson in person. Good luck!

[@joycywoycy7811]

1:58

[@joycywoycy7811]

2:01

[@CameronFrancis]

How to tune cello : but doesn’t say what the strings are to be tuned to. Fuck lol

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hi Cameron! At 1:50 Doug mentions the names of the strings. Hope that helps!

[@SuperFireEagle]

my fear since 10 years ago is snapping my bridge lmao I tuned it once and it broke.. traumatized me forever

[@stellaadindu1925]

This is the worst It taught my child nothing 😡😡😠😠

[@sydneystringcentre]

Hi Stella, I'm sorry you didn't find the video helpful. We're always open to constructive feedback so if there is something you think we can do to improve, please let us know! 🙂 From our experience, children under the age of 12 will need help from their parents or teacher to tune their instrument. Tuning is a fairly complex thing to get your head around and it often takes a lot of practice and experience to get right. With the cello in particular, you need a lot of strength to use the pegs, and so when they are only little they will definitely need the help of an adult. Tuning is a little easier from this perspective. I think i was probably about 13-14 before i could tune my cello on my own, and even then I would need help with the pegs sometimes. Hope this info helps!

[@stellaadindu1925]

@@sydneystringcentre I apologize for the comment above it was from my 9 year old who tried to tune her cello by herself. I will watch your video as the parent and follow your instructions,am sure it would be helpful. Cheers.

[@wildeyedfae]

That was so helpful! Thank you!!

[@sydneystringcentre]

Thanks for the comment! We're so happy to hear!